Whether it is going domestically or abroad, the first question on everyone’s mind is “How can I travel cheaply?”. It is a fair question, but unfortunately there is no single answer to the question because there are so many variables that affect the answer. For this reason, sometimes international travel can be cheaper than domestic travel, and sometimes long-term travel can be cheaper than short-term travel.
So how can you make your travel cheaper? Here are some tips that will help you reduce your travel expenses and travel cheaper.
Plan and Book Early
Certainly, planning your trip well in advance and arranging key expenses like transportation and accommodation ahead of time can greatly reduce your travel costs. In the meantime, you can find affordable tickets by following the short-term campaigns of travel companies.
Use Public Transportation
Research the public transportation system in your destination before your trip. Try to familiarize yourself with all the details, including transportation fees, public transit options, routes, city transportation cards, and transfers.
Examine Accommodation Alternatives
Before your trip, examine alternative accommodation facilities such as hostels, motels and guesthouses, as well as home rental and guest hosting sites such as Airbnb, Home Exchange and Couchsurfing. Also, when purchasing your bus, plane and train tickets, try to spend the night in the relevant vehicle or in transportation centers such as bus terminals, stations or airports.
Pay Attention to What You Eat and Drink
Be sure to purchase food and water available on the plane or bus at the start of your trip. Also, consider making a sandwich during breakfast at your accommodation; you can enjoy it later when you get hungry. If there is a restaurant you want to go to, check the restaurant’s social media accounts and website before you go. From time to time, you may come across important campaigns or discounts on these platforms. Also, be sure to carry a water bottle with you and fill it up from safe fountains in the places you visit.
Be Careful in Nightlife
Check venue reviews on Google Maps and social media before a night out to avoid surprises. Be skeptical about cocktails. Remember that many venues use fruit juice, ice and sugar rather than alcohol in cocktails.
Be Careful When Shopping
If you want to buy gifts for yourself or your loved ones, choose outlet and second-hand stores. In addition, you can find affordable products in the end-of-season and “clearance” sections of stores.
Mobile Phone and Internet
For short-term trips, check your current GSM operator’s international campaigns. If your trip will be long and you will use the internet a lot, get a new Sim card with a high internet quota in the country you are going to. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi internet services in many cities and places.
Buy a City Card
Many major cities now offer city cards that provide free entry to museums, discounted or free public transportation, restaurant discounts, and various other benefits. Be sure to research these cards before your trip and consider getting one.